Ellie was born on Dec. 8, 1931, in Morris, Ill. to L.B. and Beatrice (nee Ely) Mainey. She married Gerald Day "Jerry" Germanson on Aug. 1, 1953.

Ellie graduated from University of Illinois in 1953 with a degree in Home Economics Education; and worked at Wisconsin Electric Power Company in Milwaukee briefly. She and Jerry lived in West Allis; Madison; Moorhead, Minn.; Sioux City, Iowa; and back to Madison in 1964. She devoted her life to raising their six children, and being involved in their schooling and activities. A longtime member of the Attic Angel Association, she also volunteered at University Hospital Clinic.

Ellie is survived by her six children, Linda (Ted) Seefeldt, Don (Twila), Susan (Damianis), Thomas, Jane (Mark) McCarty, and Jack (Nancy); 12 grandchildren, Dean (Becky), Mark (Jenn), and Jason (Megan) Seefeldt; Sean, Ryan, Heather and Kyle McCarty; and Ana Maria, Gabrielle, Kenzie, Noah, and Amelie Germanson; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, Jack (Marilyn) Mainey of North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Jerry; and her parents.

A Celebration of Ellie's life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 12 Noon on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016 with the celebration of her life continuing after the service. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Sunday. Private family interment of both Ellie and Jerry will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.